Swedish Blog

Imagine you’re a teenager and your world revolves around trying to be cool. Then you get pilonidal disease, a skin infection near the tailbone that can cause severe pain, discharge and deep embarrassment. Parents who are aware of this disease can help a suffering child.

Approximately 3.5 to 5.3 million Americans are infected with viral hepatitis, but most people do not know they are part of a silent epidemic. This puts them at greater risk of developing severe complications of hepatitis and more likely to spread the virus to others. That’s why the federal government has called on certain groups of Americans to get tested for chronic forms of hepatitis and, if needed, undergo treatment.

Is using a loofah really the best way to exfoliate and care for your skin? Swedish pediatrician Melissa Genualdi, M.D., says that to avoid bacteria, it’s much healthier to stick with the old-fashioned washcloth. Watch this video to learn more about the case against loofahs, plus the latest on liquid soap versus bar soap and the best way to moisturize your skin.

As our nation’s obesity epidemic grows, board-certified obesity clinicians are taking on more responsibility for treating this condition. Obesity is a complex disease and, as many primary care providers have discovered, effective care goes far beyond telling a patient to eat less and exercise more.

The annual meeting of the European Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, the largest scientific conference dedicated to MS, took place in September in London. We look at the highlights from more than 1,500 topics presented.

A recent report says kids are specializing in a single sport too early, leading to a greater risk of injury -- and burnout, anxiety and depression. Elizabeth Meade, M.D., a pediatric hospitalist at Swedish, explains and offers some advice on how to keep children active and healthy.

Swedish has brought back the house call. Curious about how Swedish Express Care at Home works, or if it’s right for you? This video and accompanying article tell the story of one woman who chose Swedish Express Care at Home.